Students from Bossier Parish Community College’s Student Associated General Contractors Chapter joined with the Northwest Louisiana Fuller Center for Housing to build two houses in two weeks.

Throughout the semester students in the Construction Technology and Management program learned the principals of construction. However, this was the first time they got to take what they learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. In two weeks the students plan on building two houses as part of what Linda Sonnier, program director for the CTM program calls a house blitz.

While attending Louisiana Tech Sonnier worked with the Fuller Center on a modular housing project. After getting a job with BPCC Sonnier continued her work with the Fuller Center via her students in the CTM program. Since the spring of 2008 semester Sonnier has invited students to build houses for the Fuller Center.

“In our methods class we are learning about wood frame. [Students] learn more today about what wood frame is than I could teach in two weeks worth of classes. You have to do it to be able to learn it,” said Sonnier
Lee Jeter, executive director of the Fuller Center, agrees.

“It’s a win-win for us and the [college]. The students get the hands on experience and we get the volunteer labor we need to facilitate our ministry as far as building houses for those in need,” said Jeter.

The BPCC students not only worked on two houses, but they also worked alongside the future occupants.

“It’s a lot of fun because you get to work side by side with them and they are just happy to be here to help and so are we,” said Lisa Dumas, president of the AGC student chapter.

Although working along side those in need of housing, Sonnier does not believe the students understand the gravity of their charitable work.

“[Students] do not even realize yet how important what they are doing is. It will hit them over time as they talk about it with people that they know. Right now they are having fun and that’s great too,” said Sonnier.

However, one thing the students clearly understand is their effort.

“Everyone needs a place to live. Knowing you built something and can drive by and say you built that, you put that together, and it makes not only that person feel good but yourself feel good; it’s indescribable,” said Ernest Blackstone, a student at BPCC.

Yolonda Braziel, the future homeowner, was amazed at the selflessness of the students.

 “It’s amazing because (these people) I don’t know just gave their time to a stranger. The reality of it has not set in yet. It’s an extraordinary experience to be a first time homeowner. That is something I never thought I would achieve in this lifetime as a single parent of seven,” said Braziel.

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